CVE-2025-24091 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple’s iOS and iPadOS platforms. This vulnerability allows an app to impersonate system notifications, which could lead to a denial-of-service. The issue arises due to the handling of sensitive notifications, which now require restricted entitlements to mitigate potential exploitation. It is essential for users to update their devices to iOS 18.3 or iPadOS 18.3, as well as iPadOS version 17.7.3, where the issue has been addressed.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as medium, with a CVSS score of 5.5. This rating indicates that while the potential impact is significant, it does not reach the critical levels of other vulnerabilities. However, organizations should take this matter seriously, as the ability to impersonate system notifications can lead to unauthorized actions and compromise user trust.
Currently, the vulnerability is known to have an exploit available, which further elevates the urgency for users to apply the necessary updates. Organizations utilizing Apple’s mobile operating systems should prioritize updating their devices and educate users on recognizing legitimate notifications to reduce the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate this risk and ensure that all affected devices are updated to the latest software versions.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2025-24091 states that an app could impersonate system notifications, and sensitive notifications now require restricted entitlements. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-290, which pertains to the 'Authentication Bypass by Spoofing.' The CVSS 3.1 score is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. Affected products include iOS and iPadOS, specifically versions prior to 18.3 and 17.7.3. The vulnerability was published on April 30, 2025.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-24091 lies in the insufficient validation of notification sources within the iOS and iPadOS environments. This flaw allows applications with local access to create fake notifications that can mislead users. The attack vector is classified as local, requiring the attacker to have access to the device. The complexity of the attack is considered low, as it does not require high-level privileges or extensive user interaction beyond the initial app installation. The availability impact is rated as high, meaning that the vulnerability could effectively render critical notifications ineffective.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability includes the potential for attackers to exploit it to impersonate legitimate notifications, thereby manipulating users into taking undesired actions. This attack vector can have a broader impact if sensitive information is involved or if users are led to believe that they are interacting with trusted system features. The urgency for organizations is moderate; while the risk is significant, it does not require immediate action unless the systems are known to be exposed to untrusted applications.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects Apple’s iPadOS and iPhone OS, specifically versions prior to 17.7.3 and between 18.0 and 18.3. Users are encouraged to upgrade to the latest versions to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate CVE-2025-24091, Apple has released updates in iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and iPadOS 17.7.3. Organizations should ensure that all devices are updated to these versions. If a patch is not immediately available, implementing network controls to restrict untrusted applications from accessing sensitive notification features can help reduce potential exposure. Additionally, routine monitoring and audits of installed applications will aid in identifying any unauthorized software.
Organizations should validate remediation through penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring for anomalies in notification behavior can help detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability. Log indicators such as unexpected app behavior, unauthorized notification prompts, and user reports of strange notifications may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, behavioral analytics can assist in identifying patterns that deviate from normal user interaction.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-24091 highlights the ongoing importance of notification security within mobile operating systems. As attackers continue to seek innovative ways to exploit user trust, organizations must remain vigilant in implementing robust security measures. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the necessity for timely updates and adherence to security best practices to mitigate risks associated with mobile application security. The trend of exploiting notification systems emphasizes the need for comprehensive security assessments, such as vulnerability management programs and penetration testing methodologies to identify and address such issues proactively.
Organizations should consider integrating regular reviews of their notification systems as part of their broader security posture to ensure resilience against similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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